News
CITY SLICKERS
Sunderland businesses to be boosted by £ 62m digital investment
More than £ 60m is to be invested in
bringing the city of Sunderland ’ s digital infrastructure up to speed .
CityFibre is to spend the money creating new fibre networks as part of its plans to help replace the UK ’ s legacy copper networks with gigabit-capable full-fibre connectivity .
The upgrade will boost business productivity and deliver millions of pounds in economic benefits for Sunderland as superfast technology , fit for the 21st century , becomes the norm .
The transformative project is set to begin in the middle of this year and it means nearly every home and business in Sunderland will gain access to next-generation broadband
Detailed planning is already under way as CityFibre designs a network capable of serving Sunderland ’ s current and future demands . Upon completion , the network will be in reach of nearly every home and business in the area , providing a platform for a new generation of “ smart city ” applications and the roll-out of 5G mobile services .
CityFibre will be engaging with Sunderland City Council and local communities to ensure a fast and successful roll-out .
Patrick Melia , chief executive at Sunderland City Council , said : “ The announcement of this huge investment will continue our citywide digital transformation , advancing opportunities for our residents , businesses , educators and healthcare providers through a truly transformative full-fibre network .”
Entrepreneur provides shot in the arm for medicines
As Covid-19 stretches supply chains
around the world , a Sunderland engineering graduate is helping make sure the medicines get through . Florian Hildebrand is the co-founder and managing partner of Qualifyze , which uses a global digital network to help pharmaceutical companies manage quality and compliance in their supply chains
Covid-19 has dealt an unprecedented blow to global supply chains but Florian feels that he and his team have helped pharmaceutical companies bridge the challenges .
“ Obviously we are not the heroes in the pandemic ,” he said .
“ There are other people , especially care workers , nurses and doctors , who are the real heroes . Our role is only super small .
“ We simply insured that the supply chains would still work but obviously it ’ s great that
at least on a small level we had an impact .”
Florian , who is from Germany , has been nominated for a Study UK Alumni Award for his efforts in helping drug supply chains during the coronavirus crisis .
His company , Qualifyze , now employs 37 people and has offices in Germany and Spain .
The 30-year-old graduated from the University of Sunderland in 2013 with a degree in mechanical engineering .
BUSINESS BRIEFS
GREEN LIGHT FOR NEW HOMES Story Homes has obtained planning consent for 115 new properties at the Potters Hill development , which forms part of the transformation of South Sunderland .
Construction of three , four and fivebedroom houses at The Birches is due to start soon , and will stand alongside 160 new homes which are being delivered by another developer .
The scheme is part of a £ 65m commitment from Story Homes to invest across the city , which will see it build 450 homes in Sunderland , creating hundreds of jobs over the coming years .
PARTNERSHIP RENEWED Hundreds more young people on Wearside will have the opportunity to learn crucial education and employability skills after the Harrison Centre for Social Mobility renewed its partnership with the Foundation of Light .
The Harrison Centre works with hundreds of young people at the charity ’ s home – the Beacon of Light – to provide the tuition and training they need to help them grow in confidence , gain qualifications , become more work ready and ultimately secure a job .
STATION WORK BEGINS Construction work on a new £ 10.4m state-of-the-art bus station in the heart of Durham city has started .
The new station has been designed to increase the overall space for passengers in a light and airy setting , with improved visibility and safety for buses leaving the station .
WEAR
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